Eagle Dancer - Henry Naha Hopi Katsina Doll
The Katsina:
This dance is not as common as it might have been at one time, and according to Barton Wright's Kachinas: a Hopi Artist's Documentary, you might have the satisfaction of occasionally seeing a performance "in one of the night ceremonies in March or during the Powamu."
"Usually the personator imitates the step or motion and cry of the eagle to absolute perfection. There is evidence that this Katsina was imported into Zuni from the Hopi and is danced there in much the same manner that it is at Hopi.
This may be why the Eagle may appear during Pamuya on First Mesa with Zuni Kachinas."
The Carver:
Henry Naha is an outstanding, well-respected carver who is a member of the Spider and Lizard Clans and lives near Polacca, Arizona.
He was taught by one of the masters - Cecil Calnimptewa, who is his Hopi godfather; and was the husband of Avonne Naha, also a talented carver.
Henry has been an active carver for over 20 years and learned from others such as Denis Tewa and Joseph Dallas. His figures always have an excellent stance and pose suggesting great strength and pride. He has signed the bottom of the base: "H. Naha" along with a symbolic lizard, which is his Clan symbol.
Ref.: www.ancientnationa.com
Item No.: KD.0018
Artist: Henry Naha
Size: 8 1/2 in H x 9 3/4 W
Price: 680
